2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV - Overview

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Overview

What Changed for 2008:

The Mazda Tribute is completely redesigned for 2008

New exterior fascias, hood, liftgate, headlights, mirrors, and wheels

New interior fabrics, color combinations, and ergonomic enhancements

New side-impact curtain air bags

More standard comprehensive active safety features

Available Active Torque Control coupeing (ATCC) 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system

OverviewAll-new for 2008, the Tribute joins the sleek and stylish CX-7 and CX-9 as Mazda's most traditionally styled sport utility vehicle (SUV). According to Mazda, the 2008 Tribute is designed for those buyers seeking "traditional, go-anywhere rugged styling with Mazda's trademark Zoom-Zoom-after all, every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car."

Model LineupWith traditional SUV styling, the 2008 Mazda Tribute is available in more than twenty different combinations of trim level, engine choice, and drivetrain. Gasoline versions are available in three different trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Tribute HEV (hybrid) models are available in two trim levels: Touring and Grand Touring. Deciphering engine designations is simple: all "i" versions feature a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the "s" models are equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. All "HEV" models offer a combination of gasoline and electric power.

The exterior design of the 2008 Mazda Tribute includes new front and rear fascias, hood, liftgate, power mirrors, wheels, head and tail lamps, and a higher beltline along the side of the vehicle. The interior also is new and more upscale, Mazda says. Sport versions come with fog lamps, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, remote keyless entry, power mirrors/locks/windows, and cruise control as standard features. Those are also standard features on Tributes equipped with automatic transmissions. Touring adds a roof rack, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, overhead console, and such options as a 6-disc CD changer and cargo area cover. The Grand Touring adds heated mirrors, automatic headlamps, a power moonroof, leather seating, and more.

The hybrid-electric Tribute is powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 133 hp. It is assisted by a 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 hp) electric motor. EPA fuel economy estimates for the hybrid are 34 mpg city/27 highway. (Note: most hybrid vehicles offer better fuel economy in city driving cycles.) The standard transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with Mazda's ATCC 4WD system optional with all powerplants. Mazda vehicles are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty including roadside assistance coverage.

SafetyIn addition to an all-steel body with Mazda's "Triple H" construction (H-shaped structures in the sides, floor, and roof that add rigidity), the 2008 Mazda Tribute offers six standard air bags. These include driver and passenger front and side air bags, and side-impact/rollover air curtains. Front seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioners to reduce slack at the moment of impact. Dynamic stability control, roll stability control and traction control are standard on all non-hybrid models. Anti-lock brakes and tire-pressure-monitoring systems are standard safety equipment on all Tribute models for 2008. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has crash-tested the 2008 Mazda Tribute; frontal-impact ratings were 4-star driver/5-star passenger, while side-impact ratings were 5-star front seat/5-star rear seat. The rollover rating was 3 stars for both 2- and 4WD models.

TechnologyMazda's ATCC 4WD system is optional on all 2008 Tribute models with automatic transmission. The system uses a computer to monitor the engine, wheel speeds, and transmission. If traction is lost, torque is automatically transferred between the front and rear wheels for optimal grip. Unlike most mechanical systems, Mazda claims, ATCC is able to predict wheel spin-preventing it from happening in the first place. The system is useful in nearly every driving condition, including snow and heavy rain, and compared to traditional 4WD systems, ATCC improves driving responsiveness, handling, and fuel economy, Mazda says.